On Patrol
While many of us may flock to an early Land Rover, first generation G-Wagen, or Toyota’s bulletproof FJ, there’s another mid-century off-roader that’s more than worthy of joining that elite club of iconic 4x4s. In the 1950s, Japan was in dire need of four-wheel drive vehicles for fire services, police, and the military. Nissan were quick to throw their hat into the ring with the Patrol, alongside Toyota and Mitsubishi who also took up the challenge. Mitsubishi would eventually get the contract, but Nissan’s Patrol would enter the general market and become one of Japan’s most adored off-roaders.
This example, a KL60 from 1972, has a mostly unknown past after only being rediscovered in a derelict state in 2007. After a lengthy restoration, the Patrol’s 4-litre 6-cylinder engine and three-speed gearbox run effortlessly, with its bodywork and interior restored to factory-fresh condition. As prices of these founding off-roaders begin heading into the stratosphere, this rare offering from Nissan is worthy of any adventurer’s collection!
Bianco Bull
Widely regarded as one of the purest iterations of the Diablo lineage, the SV is the last of its kind to feature the iconic pop-up headlights and a truly unfiltered driving experience. First launched in 1996, the SV boasted reduced weight, 510 horsepower sent directly to the rear wheels, and no electronic aids to step in when those wide tyres inevitably break traction if you’re too heavy-footed.
Out of a mere 346 examples produced, this left-hand-drive Diablo SV headed to Hong Kong finished in Bianco over black Alcantara. The specification exactly matches the car Lamborghini featured on its official Diablo SV sales poster, an image that is no-doubt etched into the memories of countless fans of the brand. Now residing in Germany, this fine example has undergone a lengthy restoration by Auto Sportiva, including a full engine-out rebuild, ensuring the lucky new owner can enjoy this icon to its absolute fullest!
Turbo Deux
The Citroën CX had some seriously large shoes to fill, respecting the heritage of the adored DS while standing proud and representing the brand’s direction for the future. Designed from the outset to be efficient, clean and sleek, yet with a stylish appeal that was unique to Citroën, the CX started as the ideal executive saloon, and eventually would become a sporty rival to the likes of Triumph, Rover, and Alfa Romeo, not to mention its fellow French competitors.
1984 would see the launch of the CX GTi Turbo, complete with a 168 horsepower 2.5-litre engine, capable of reaching138mph and 60mph from a standstill in just under eight seconds. Whilst it was by no means a super saloon the way other cars sporting the ‘Turbo’ badge were in the mid-1980s, this Citroën was the perfect long-distance, high speed cruiser. Dripping in unique charm and style, this example is finished in a rare shade of red and is equipped with those all-important trademark two-spoke wheels. If you're looking for a ride that will undoubtably cause a stir at the next local car meet, this quirky saloon is a safe bet!
Renault-powered Lotus
The Lotus Europa is something of an enigma. Never produced in high volumes, with just over 9,200 units built in a 10-year span, the Europa would span two generations, both of which designed by the legendary Colin Chapman. Of those small numbers produced, the S2 represented just over a third the total, and this example brings more surprises under the rear hood.
Following a full restoration in 2000, an entirely new body shell was bought from the Lotus factory and a Renault Crossflow engine was fitted. This high-revving, reliable 1.6-litre engine is the ideal transplant for the Lotus, complementing the host of upgrades added during restoration, including aluminium rims, skirts and an electronic fuel pump. Lotus are renowned for their simplicity and drivability, and this Europa S2 with its improved reliability is the ideal candidate as the perfect weekend rocket!
Fast as Filipinetti
While the 550 Spyder and 718 RSK laid the groundwork for Porsche in sports car racing, the 904 Carrera GTS is the car that truly put Porsche on the path to international success in the 1960s. The 904 would run in factory-led form, but the car was also very successful amongst privateers, such as Scuderia Filipinetti, which is where this fine example had spent its early life battling hard against fierce rivals from Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Sporting a lightweight, fibre-glass body and employing a mid-engine layout with the reliable flat-4 engine from the 356 Carrera, this example would bring home fourth place in class at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans with Herbert Müller and Claude Sage behind the wheel, as well as racking up multiple entries into some of the world’s most gruelling races, like the Nürburgring 1000. This Porsche would later go off-road with Frenchman Jean-Marc Massoneri, who continued to campaign the car in the French Rally Championship, including an overall win at the Rallye de la Baule in May 1965.
Eligible for multiple historic motorsport events, in recent years this 904 has spent many seasons battling it out with other racing icons at Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival and many others!
